Austin Peay State University
Hopkinsville, KY – Sophomore Justin Arens posted a top-20 finish to lead the Austin Peay State University men’s golf team at the F&M Bank APSU Intercollegiate, Tuesday, at The Links at Novadell.
Arens posted a three-under par 69 in the tournament’s final round and moved up five spots to a tie for 18th place with a three-under 213.
Senior Chris Baker added a one-under par 71 and finished just outside the top 20, tied for 22nd with a 214.
“I’m so happy for Erik and Justin; they came out and played really good golf early and got some momentum they sustained through the round,” said Robbie Wilson. “Both of them shot 69 but if you asked them they probably felt they could have gone lower than that. They are going to be a huge part of our program come spring.”
However, their performances ultimately were for naught as the Govs were disqualified from the team competition. The Govs entered the day down to four men when senior Austin Kramer withdrew due to the injury he suffered during Monday’s second round. After the final round, senior Tyler Phillips was disqualified for signing an improper scorecard and Austin Peay was left with not enough players to post a qualifying score.
Sophomore Alex Rios and freshman Sean Butscher competed as individuals in the Govs fall-ending tournament. Rios posted a 76 Tuesday and finished tied for 50th with a 222. Butscher finished his first collegiate competition with a 76 and was 62nd for the tournament with a 230.
“Alex probably didn’t perform this week as well as he would have liked,” said Wilson. “Sean is a freshman who is growing and learning and getting better. This was a good week for him to get his first tournament under his belt. But those guys are competing hard for us, they’re working hard.”
Belmont won the team competition by four shots, posting a 277 in Tuesday’s action to finish at 32-under par with an 832. Western Illinois rallied with a final round 280 to finish second with an 836.
UT Martin faded slightly with its worst round of the tournament, its 283 dropping it to third with an 838.
The F&M Bank APSU Intercollegiate completes a busy fall schedule for the Govs. They now will take a four-month break from competition before resuming play in late February.
“It’s probably a good time to have a little break,” Wilson said. “We’ve had guys compete not only last spring but over the summer individually and now through the fall. We’ve been slumping for a little bit. Having a little break will help us recharge the batteries. We’ll get stronger and more mentally tough. We’ve got a lot of work to do on and off the course and this is a good time to do it.”
